HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaiian Electric is stepping in to pay upfront incentives owed to customers with battery storage systems following the closure of Swell Energy Inc., the third-party provider that managed the Home Rewards Battery Program. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Swell Energy recently shut down and can no longer support its Home Battery Rewards Program for Hawaiian Electric customers. The company, which was contracted by Hawaiian Electric in 2021, was responsible for aggregating home battery systems to create a “virtual power plant.” Around 1,200 customers across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island were enrolled in the program, which offered both upfront payments and monthly bill credits. In a letter to participants, Hawaiian Electric confirmed it will cover any upfront incentives owed by Swell, but payments will only go to eligible customers based on their contracts. Controversial fireworks bill advances to Honolulu City Council Due to Swell’s closure, Hawaiian Electric will pause monthly credits starting in October. The utility plans to work with customers to unenroll their systems from the program, giving them more control over their energy resources and costs. Future options may include continuing the existing program or transitioning to a new one. “This situation is unprecedented, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we work toward a resolution,” said Yoh Kawanami, co-director of customer energy resources at Hawaiian Electric. Swell Energy was part of Hawaiian Electric’s Power Partnership Program, which encourages customers to help operate the electric grid more efficiently while supporting Hawaii’s clean energy goals. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news This initiative relies on independent companies to enroll customers with solar systems, batteries, electric vehicles, and other energy resources.